KARL KRAUS THE LAST DAYS OF MANKIND IN ENGLISH TRANSLATED BY MICHAEL RUSSELL

CVK COMPLETE WORKING TRANSLATION PROLOGUE

SCENE 1Vienna. Ringstrassenkorso, Sirk corner [1]. A Summer holiday evening. Hustle and bustle. People are gathering in groups. A newspaper vendor: Extraaaa! Speciaaal! Heir to the throne assassinated! Murderer arrested! A visitor (to his wife): Thank God not a Jew. His wife: Come on, let's go home. (Pulls him away.) 2nd newspaper vendor: Extraaa special! Neue Freie Presse [2]! The bloody crime of Sarajewo! Murderer a Serb! An officer: How do you do, Powolny! So what do you think? Are we going to the Gardens? 2nd officer (with a walking stick): Impossible! The place is closed! The 1st (shocked): Closed? A 3rd: Out of the question! The 2nd: I'm telling you! The 1st: So what do you think? The 2nd : Well then, let's go to Hopfner's. The 1st: Sure – but I mean, what do you think politically, you who are clever - The 2nd: Ah well, we'll probably (waving about his stick) get a bit of a remix - wouldn't be bad – about time - The 1st: Oh you just are such a smart ass. But I know somebody who will be excited and that is Fallota, he - A 4th (joining the group, laughing): How are you, Pokorny, how are you, Powolny, how are you, Nowotny, aren't you all politically informed, what do you think? The 2nd: Oh you know, this bunch of rif-raf is simply subversive. The 3rd: Well yes – must be it. The 4th: I do agree with that – yesterday I had a laugh! Did you see the latest picture by Schönpflug [3], brilliant! The 2nd: Listen, this Fallota is some kind of patriot, he always says it is not enough to do one's duty, one has to be a patriot under all circumstances. When he is convinced of something, there is no joking about it. D'you know what I think? One of these, things could get rough for us. And that 'll be allright with me. The 3rd: How about going to Hopfner's? The 4th: Did you recognize those two over there? The 2nd:Come here, this guy, Schlepitschka von Schlachtentreu, is terribly educated, always knows the press from A to Z; we should read more he says; says they're writing that we want peace, but not at all costs, do you think that is true? (a waitress passes by) Oh look, that's the one I told you about, the one I had for free recently. (The actor Fritz Werner goes by) Pleased to meet! The 3rd: You know what, I think I don't know this man. The 4th: You don't? No joke! But he's Fritz Werner! The 3rd: Funny, isn't it, I thought he was Treumann! The 1st: Go away! How can you mix up those two! The 2nd: See that's because you don't know the laws of logic! You mistook Werner for his contrary: Treumann! The 3rd: No hang on (thinks). Do you want to know my opinion? I prefer “Husarenblut” over “Herbstmanöver”[4]! The 2nd: Oh stop. The 1st: You who are so educated, so - The 4th: That definitely was Fritz Werner. The 1st: You are terribly educated - The 2nd: Why? The 1st: Have you already seen “The Laughing Husband”? Do you know Marischka? The 2nd: Sorry I don't. The 1st: And Storm? Do you know him? 2nd: Of course I do. The 4th: Come, let's not hang around here any longer, let's go to Hopfner's if it's true that the Gardens - The 3rd: Do you know Glawatsch, too? (off, in conversation) A newspaper vendor (coming running): Daily News – heir and spouse assassinated, please - ! An agent: How shall we spend the rest of this evening? A 2nd agent: I heard that “Venice”is open. The 1st: Allright then, let's get a on a carriage and head for “Venise”. The 2nd: I am wondering, though – I feel a bit nervous, maybe we should wait until we have heard some more - The 1st: But we'll get the news over there. At the “Imperial”, the bet was on “Melpomene”, they were talking about “Melpomene” all day. But they are vultures, you know yourself – I've learnt my lesson – there is Fischl! (shouts across the street) Fischl, is it “Melpomene”? Fischl: Don't think so! 1st: Oh drop dead! Fischl: After you. “Glaukopis” - came second! A Viennese (to his wife): I am telling you, he was not much loved - His wife: Mary'n'Joseph, how comes? The Viennese: He just was'n t popular. Riedl himself told me that – (off) An old subscriber to “Neue Freie Presse” (in conversation with the oldest subscriber to “Neue Freie Presse”): What a mess! The oldest: What do you mean – a mess? (looks around) Everything will improve! It will be like in the days of Maria Theresia, let me tell you that! The old one: That's what you are telling me! The oldest: But I'm telling you! The old one: Told you! But – oh my God – Serbia! My youngest! The oldest: First of all, War is nowadays out of the question, and then – don't think they would take him! Aren't there enough better ones? (murmurs to himself) Lord you are righteous! I am looking forward to tomorrow's front page. His language will be like never before. Lueger's death [5] was nothing by comparison. At last he can speak freely – although he will have to be careful. But he will speak from everybody's heart, even from the Gojims' heart, even from the highest Gojims' heart, more then from anybody elses. He knew what was at stake, he knew! The old one: One should not count on it. Maybe it isn't true. The oldest: What a pessimist you are! (both off) A few drunks (pushing through the crowd): Good evening to you all! Down! Down with Serbia! Beat'em up! Long live! Four guys and four girls, arms linked: [singing a popular, rather primitive song alluding to a historical attack on Belgrade] The crowd: Cheers! (Fritz Werner comes back and greets the crowd) Cheers to Fritz Werner! Miss Löwenstamm: Now go over to him and ask him. Miss Körmendy (approaches the actor): You must know I am a great fan of yours and would like to ask for an autograph – (Fritz Werner takes out a notebook, writes on a page and hands it to her. Off) He was so nice! Miss L.: Did he look at you? Come away from the crowd, that's only got to do with the murder. I am solely attracted by Storm! (off) A newspaper vendor: Extraaa! Duke Franz Ferdinand - An educated man: What an enormous loss this will be for the theatres, the [Volkstheater] was completely sold out - His wife: What a waste is this evening, we could have stayed at home, but you, you had to go out - Educated man: I am amazed about your egoism, I did not think you were so void of all social engagement. Wife: You probably think I have no interest, of course I have an interest, there is no point in dining at the [Volksgarten] when they don't have any music, one would be better off at Hartmann's - Educated man: Oh you and your food, who has time for that now – you will see what happens next - Wife: If only one could see something! Educated man: There will be a funeral like no other before, I remember how the heir – (off) Poldi Fesch (to his compagnon): Tonight we'll go on the tear. Last night I was out with Sascha Kolowrat, tomorrow I 'll go out with – (off) A guard: Keep to the left, please, to the left! A newspaper vendor: Daily Post! Second edition! Assassination of the heir and his spouse! A petit-bourgeois: Live and let live! This, of course, isn't of any use to the Viennese, to the simple man. Let me enlighten this for you. 'cause, the Viennese, you see, has got his own habits, you cannot take that away from him. But he on the other hand – my friend H. once, well he once recognized him – he was, you see, in the cognito of course, even took a cab, and didn 't he give a tip like your ordinary man, not a penny more – now what do you say. 2nd petit-bourgeois: Go away! And even in the more expensive shops he didn't want to pay any extra. He would even have stood in a queue with us! But how about us, we gotta live, too! Such a guy he was! Left nothing out, not a thing! But sure, it's a personal matter. I always say: live and let live, I would die for that. 'Cause, you see, the simple man - Newspaper vendor: Extraaa speciaaal! Petit-beourgeois: Gimme that paper! How much? Vendor: Ten cents! Petit-bourgeois: Nonsense! That's mad. There's nothing in it anyhow! Hey – look over there, see that doll, cool, isn't she? What a pair of tits! My old woman better hide hers! 2nd petit-bourgeois: Oh, come on, that's just a prostitute! 1st: Oh look, a crowd in front of the Bristol, let's go and have a look, there must be a celebrity. (off) A guard: Keep left, keep left please! A journalist (to his compagnon): Here, this is a good spot to pick up the public mood. The news have spread on the Korso like a bushfire, as you can see. This place, usually bustling with cheerful activity at this hour, had suddenly quietened down. People were despondent, deeply moved, grief could be read on most faces. Complete strangers were talking to one another and grabbing the extra editions from eachother's hands, groups were gathering - 2nd journalist: I would rather put it this way: In the alleys of Ringstrasse one could observe people gathering in groups, discussing the news. Guards proceeded to break up the groups and announced that any further gathering in groups was prohibited. Whereupon one could observe how great numbers of people gathered in groups – look, over there! (In front of Hotel Bristol, an argument breaks out between a passenger and the driver of a “fiaker” [horse-drawn Viennese cab], passers-by get involved, boos can be heard) The fiaker driver: But your Excellence! On a day like this - !(change) [1] The “Ringstrasse”was constructed on order of Emperor Franz Joseph I and inaugurated in 1865. In the following decades, the part “Kärntnerring” became the favourite meeting place of Viennese society and known as “Ringstrassenkorso”. Towards the end of the 19th century, the place where Kaertnerstrasse crosses the “Ring” became known as “Sirk-Ecke”, after the fashionable Sirk Café on the corner. As a French visitor once observed, 'every branch of society from the great world to the demi-monde, to the quarter-world as well as the world of diplomacy and the court ' promenaded here in the afternoon. [2] Daily Austrian Newspaper founded in 1864 by former editors of “Die Presse”, it soon became the leading paper mainly read by the liberal and educated bourgeoisie. Third biggest daily in Austria around the time of WW I. Success partly founded on contributions from very prominent authors such as Herzl, Zweig, Salten, v. Hofmannsthal, Schnitzler. [3] Fritz Schönpflug (1873-1951) , Painter and Caricaturist, drew mainly Viennese Characters and Military caricatures. Very popular as postcards. [4] Two at the time very popular operettas, “Husarenblut”[Blood of the Hussar] by Hugo Felix, 1894, and “Herbstmanöver”[military manoeuvre in autumn] by Kàlmàn, 1908. No other military category has influenced its image in art and literature like the Hussar: “The Hussar is a mounted soldier, with light equipment and arms; he is always ready for action, never fears, and knows how to deal with the most difficult situation. He acts fast but always cleverly and thoughtfully because he is gifted with almost inexhaustible creativity. The hussar's function and style in battle have in public opinion been fused with a very attractive personality and a colourful character. Proof are the countless stories, anecdotes, tales and legends woven around the image of the Hussar. The Hussar is always the true popular hero, fighting for the good and emerging victorious from the most difficult battles.” [5] Karl Lueger (1844-1910) Austrian politician and Mayor of the City of Vienna.SCENE 2Café Pucher. On the same evening, before midnight. The café is almost empty, only two tables are occupied. The General Manager of the Banking Association has just sat down at one of them. Two gentlemen with bald heads are sitting at the other. They are smoking cigars with paper tips and are engrossed in reading satirical magazines. The cashier is fast asleep. A waiter amuses himself by waving a napkin in front of her face. The coffie cook is just chasing another waiter from the kitchen with the help of a tea towel. The cook and the head waiter break out in laughter. Eduard, the head waiter: Is this maybe a pub? Shame on you! The ministers are reading and Miss Paula is sleeping – aren't you ashamed! Bank manager: Hey you! Eduard: Sir? Bank manager: Bring me a cigar and an extra edition! Eduard (pulls the cigar case and the newspaper from his pocket and says): A little cigar and something to lift the mood. Bank manager: Did nobody come in? Why is it so boring today? Not even Doctor Gomperz? Eduard: Nobody, Sir. Bank manager: Any phone calls? Eduard: None so far. Maybe the nice weather – or the gentlemen made use of the holiday for a trip to the countryside - Bank manager: And what holiday is today? Eduard: Peter and Paul, Sir.(the two men continue their conversation. Meanwhile, a stranger enters the café. He sits down at the table opposite the two bald gentlemen. A waiter brings coffie.) The stranger: Waiter, tell me, who are those two elderly gentlemen, they seem familiar - Franz (leaning over to the customer): That is the ministers' table. The gentleman wearing a pince-nez and reading the weekly satirical is his Excellence the Minister of the Interior, the other gentleman wearing a pince-nez and studying the cartoons is His Excellence the Prime Minister. Stranger: I see! Has their presence something to do with todays events or are they always here? Franz: Every night - you know, the Excellences are batchelors. Stranger: I see! And who is the gentleman joining them just now? Franz: Oh, there he is – that is his Excellence the Director of the Chamber of Cabinet. Stranger: I see!(Franz hurries off and returns with a lemonade and a magazine for the director. After a little while:) Prime Min. (puts the cartoons aside): Nothing worth mentioning today. Min. of Int. (yawns): Boring. Prime Min.: Anyway, today seems endless. Director: One can already feel the dog days coming. Prime Min. (after a pensive moment): I do think, though, we will have to produce a communique I think. In connection with the measures that will have to be taken by the government as a consequence of the latest developments and the situation that has arisen and was discussed by the members of the cabinet who for that matter remained in conference until late into the night and so on. Min. of Int.: Certainly. Prime Min.: Eduard! Min. of Int.: And what are the measures that will be taken? Prime Min.: That depends on the Communique. Eduard! Eduard: Your Excellence? Prime Min.: Isn't there anything new today? Bring me the – what is it called again? Eduard (searching among the cartoon papers on the table) Something missing Y'r Excellence? Oh, I see!(He goes over to the newspaper rack. Meanwhile, the Bank Manager approaches the ministers' table and engages in a conversation with the Minister of The Interior who has risen to his feet. Eduard calls Franz over to him who has just been chased from the kitchen and is about to wave a napkin in front of the cashier's face.) Eduard: Can you not leave it? Are we in a pub here? (continues to rummage in the newspaper rack) Where have you hidden the magazines this time? “The Bomb” [1] is needed at the Ministers' table! [1] “Die Bombe” [the bomb] was one of the many popular humoristic satirical weekly papers of the late 19th century in Austria. Comparable to the British “Punch” magazine. (Change) 7SCENE 3An office in the Senior Court Counsellor's Chambers. Nepalleck, a court counsellor, at his desk. He is speaking on the phone while continually bowing towards it, almost creeping into it. Nepalleck: Third class funeral – understood, Your Ex'llence – Your Ex'llence needn't worry – His Highness immediately took initiative – pardon? Excuse me, Your Ex'llence – Pardon? The line is bad today – Christ's sake, Miss, this is a call from the court, it is scandalous! - Beg your pardon, Your Ex'llence, the line was cut – yes – yes – at your service – will be done – of course – refused – everyone – certainly – His Highness immediately took initiative – of course – His Highness will be delighted – all according to His Highness' wishes – Your Ex'llence can count upon – no, no, none of the monarchs – no members either – and no relations – certainly – pardon? - No, they all wanted – nobody is coming – a duke already had almost got on his way, but we could prevent him last minute – have not received, they better give an explanation – a war must be avoided – pardon? Disconnected again, Christ's sake, what a nuisance! - Yes, England, too – no, nobody – not even a mouse from any of the courts – just ambassadors and the likes – of course we will have to select, since we can't say no – will do – well picked and chosen – a necessity – with respect to space available – my God, the little chapel, and what fun we had – the wording? Just a moment, please (pulls a sheet from his pocket) “Restrictions on delegations of representatives from foreign royal houses and military delegates with respect to the space available” - pardon? Of course, certainly, that will be a big disappointment – pardon, Your Ex'llence? In Belgrade? Well, they'll find it strange - quite right, just let them get cheeky about it – we won't mind, will we , Your Ex'llence? - That's right! - Very good, Your Ex'llence, fabulous, a third class non smoker funeral – fabulous, I must tell His Highness, His highness will double up laughing – anyhow, we have such trouble with the benediction – yes, the Bohemian aristocracy, a bit pushy these gentlemen – friends and relations – what answer we gave them? - His Highness immediately took initiative – quite simple, apart from the highest members of court and the officials we might give access to the guardian at the most – pardon? Well the ladies and gentlemen wish to accompany on foot – of course very unpleasant for His Highness, almost like a demonstration – very good, the unemployed! Must tell His Highness, His Highness will double up laughing – what does Your Ex'llence mean? Don't give a fiddler? Exactly! - Of course, nobody can say anything against it – all formally correct – a b s o l u t e l y i n n e e d o f r e s t – exactly, they can all get stuffed – of course – heir to the throne simply means third class funeral , no extras – no reason for any special 8 efforts – by the way, has Your Ex'llence already heard of the outrageous demand we had to face from his offices? - After the Spanish Ceremony and the escort to the train station they now want us to organize the burial in Antstetten - isn't it scandalous – the Capucine vault [1] is all that lies in our authority – but of course, His Highness immediately took initiative and replied that they should be glad to have the body delivered out to the train. The municipal funeral department would be responsible for anything beyond that – or the association for eternal life, that's right – must tell His Highness, His Highness will – oh no, quite informal, just an intimate little banquet – whether we will employ anybody? Not a single one, they'll all be sacked – yes, yes, quite a job – of course, if I was asked for my opinion, I never thought it a good idea to bring the Chotek's [2] body on the same train – I always say: had you not climbed up you could not have fallen down – but unfortunately – so thanks to His Highness' kind heart – as you know can't do anything about it – well at least we would have made sure that her coffin would be placed a few steps below his – surely, it won't be pleasant tomorrow at the train station – but at least no push and shove – pardon? Very good, not heading out for [Atzgersdorf] like on Sunday, very good, must tell His Highness – pardon? Yes, the newspapers? All instructed, they will keep it down. Motto: no pomp but quiet mourning – pardon, Your Ex'llence? So quiet that one might – fabulous, must tell His Highness, His Highness will – pardon? Yes, delighted to hear that the Chambers of Cabinet are as deeply shocked as the Senior Court Counsellor's Offices – His Highness will double up laughing – a few establishments had enquired whether they should cancel their shows. Answer: national mourning has not been ordered and the matter is left to the discretion of the managements – but “Venise” in Vienna, His Ex'llence will be interested to hear, had the good sense not to ask at all and stay open on the day. Good Lord, people do need a bit of fun and business in such hard times – live and let live, of course – naturally that applies to the whole empire, not only to us – the whole empire - very good, all have the same feelings, very true, we just don't want to suffocate – Christ's sake, what's wrong now – a problem with the line again – very true, one just wants to have a good time – that's right, one day misery must come to an end – live and let live – people want to see a friendly face or else they get grumpy – exactly, he who can not salute should not be a leader! - well in that regard we fortunately won't have to worry anymore – pardon? What his other highness is up to, the new one? Or rather, the future ex-senior court counsellor? The deceased favourite, God rest his soul, to hell with him, well, a special kind of bereavement, the only one who is deeply in mourning, anyhow – no, won't honour us with his presence again – those who were in Sarajevo with him? Harrach [3]? Could be true. Had protected him “with his own body” - yes, they were full of their own importance – Morsey [4] gives out 9 to a policeman for not arresting the assassin and did you hear how he talked back! “Lieutenant, mind your own business!” - The police in Sarajevo just did their duty, no more, no less – the constablery – how many they were? His Highness had already taken initiative at the time, with Tisza [5] who had it all prepared by himself. Six men as bodyguards, more than enough! - Very good, a satisfactory arrangement. Two hundred men then granted for Konopischt [6], to keep the folks out of the grounds – yes he liked that – pardon? They are fuming in Foreign Affairs? Certainly, as best as we can, of course – at last, at last – am curious for how long they will investigate – again, a reasonable arrangement, so we'll need a few more for Belgrade! - bunch of bandits – and of course we are as innocent as lambs – yes it's true that he had premonitions, but we encouraged him, an officer knows no fear! - that's true, he was in the hands of God, all his life, right to the end – could not have been averted, I know, I understand, but has to be punished now that it happened – certainly, afterwards one comes to one's senses, yes, yes, there is something positive about that, in both ways – fix them – yes, Conrad, he will – surely, that will go down well! Will be a satisfaction, anyone can see that, wouldn't be a bad thing – a matter of prestige, clearly – we'll manage – but of course – pardon? Surely, the Germans will get us out of that – that's right, we want peace, but not at all cost – No, Your Ex'llence, a holiday is out of the question, how could I – well that's the way it is, it looks like I have to go through everything – once again, be assured, nothing to worry – will pass it on – reverently thanking you – your humble servant, Your Ex'llence! (Change) [1] vault in Vienna, built in the 16th century and guarded by monks of the Capucine order, in which Emperors and Emperesses and their children are buried. [2]Sophie Princess of Hohenberg née Chotek of Chotkova, was the wife of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne. Franz Ferdinand and Sophie had met in Prague in the mid 90's and fallen in love. Though of very old Bohemian nobility, Sophie was considered inacceptable and not befitting the heir's rank by the Austrian court. The couple kept their relation secret for several years before being joint in a morganatic marriage in 1900, excluding Sophie and future children from any claims to the throne or any heritage. [3] Franz Count Harrach, owner of and travelling in the same vehicle as the murdered couple at the moment of their assassination. [4] Count Morsey, travelling in one of the five vehicles escorting the the couple in Sarajevo. [5] Count Tisza, Hungarian Prime Minister, briefly and incorrectly accused of having been responsible for the assassination [6] castle in Serbia where the couple stayed before their visit to Sarajevo 10SCENE 4 Servant: Please, Mr Court Counsellor, Sir – somebody is here. Nepalleck: Somebody who? Servant (embarrassed): One of the others. Nepalleck (imperiously): There aren't any “others”! Those days are over! Didn't I tell you that whoever comes - Servant: Please, he says he just has a question. Nepalleck: What question could there be left to ask? But send him in . (Servant off.)SCENE 5One of the deceased Archduke's old valets appears. Nepalleck (hisses): What d'you want? Old valet: At your service, honorable Court Counsellor, Sir – so – in this regard – I don't know – in this case – I mean - Nepalleck: I'd like to hear what you want! Old valet: The misfortune, the great misfortune, isn't it, honorable Court Counsellor, so since I always served under His Highness – the blessed – Archduke Ludwig, God rest his soul - Nepalleck: Ah, so in short, you are a valet without employment – dear friend, get it out of your head, there are no vacancies available here. Old valet (crying): But no, Mr. Court Consellor, but no - Nepalleck:What is this, you are being pushy? Old valet: But no – true is, a strict master – but – strict - and – good Highness – but – so - Nepalleck: Listen, my dear man, don't get into storytelling here – tell us what it is that you want! Old valet: But don't want anything, Mr Court Counsellor, nothing, nothing, nothing at all – just talk – talk – talk in front of the dead body one more time - Nepalleck (raising his voice): I don't have consultation hour for you, understand? (Alerted by the noise, Prince Montenuovo storms onto the scene, his face distorted with anger)SCENE 6 Montenuovo: What is going on? Ah, already someone here! You, move on, and 11 quickly! None of you will get a job here, vanish, and hurry! Old valet (very astonished): I – have – Jesus – at your service, Your highness – (off.)SCENE 7 Montenuovo: You, court counsellor, you know this place is not an asylum for the homeless – I took initiative, and therefore – I want to be left in peace! Nepalleck: Be assured, Your Highness, it won't happen again, that person only wanted - Montenuovo: Don't care. Don't want to see any of these Belvedere [1] faces settle here! - How many invitations? Nepalleck: forty-eight. Montenuovo: What are you talking about? Nepalleck: Oh, beg your pardon, I was thinking of tomorrow night. Twenty-six. Montenuovo: Take six more of the list! Nepalleck: As you order! (sits down again in front of his desk.)SCENE 8 Prince Weikersheim [2], close behind the servant. Servant: Please, Your Highness, I have been urgently instructed - Prince W.: What's that? He's instructed? What? One now has to apply here? (Servant off. Nepalleck remains seated at his desk, does not look up. The prince, after having waited for a moment:) You! (After another moment, more loudly) You! What is going on here? (Screaming) You, stand up! Nepalleck (turning his head, unmoved): Good afternoon, good afternoon. Prince W.(after a moment of speechless surprise): What – is – this? That - was quick – (stressing every word) You, do you know who I am? Nepalleck: Now, now, you are the Baron Bronn of Weikersheim who has been raised to the rank of Prince! Prince W.: And you are a – and that one there is your superior! (off, banging the door behind him.)SCENE 9 Nepalleck (laughs convulsively. The phone rings): Your humble servant, Your Ex'llence, this very moment he – (Montenuovo looks in from the door, instantaneously Nepalleck swivels around) at your order, Your Highness - 12(Change) [1] The “Belvedere” is a Viennese castle and one of the imperial residences. It was at the time the residence of Franz Ferdinand and his court and family. Various sources suggest that the death of Franz Ferdinand and his wife was quite widely welcomed in Vienna, mainly among the conservative part of the imperial house and aristocracy. Franz Ferdinand was f.e. hated for his plans to give much greater political independence to territories in the southern Balkans, and his marriage with Sophie was considered inappropriate. In those circles, they and there close friends were sometimes referred to as the “Belvedere Baggage”[rif raf]. In Scene 3 – 10, Kraus clearly gives a voice to those conservative attitudes and their contempt. [2] Baron Weikersheim was given the title of prince in 1911 by the emperor. He seemed to have no other function here but to illustrate a conservative attitude. He did exist, but played no political role.SCENE 10Trainstation [Südbahnhof Vienna]. An entrance hall in bleek morning light; through a wide door opening one can see into the large main waiting hall which is all over draped in black cloth. Two coffins are standing in its middle, one a step below the other, large chandeliers with burning candles, wreaths, chairs. Lackeys in black liveries are busy lighting the last candles and making final arrangements for the reception of the mourning guests. The entrance and the stairs, as far as they are visible, are crowded with the public. Policemen are keeping order. Dignitaries and officials in various uniforms appear and stay in the entrance hall or disappear into the main hall, exchanging greetings either silently or in whispering voice. Incessant coming and going. A delegation of municipal counsellors in tail coats enters. Court Counsellor Nepalleck enters, seemingly deeply despondent, receiving condolences from many of the visitors. This and the following takes place in a kind of twilight. The conversations are held among shadows. Nepalleck: It is most terrible – His Highness is very depressed and too unwell to attend the ceremony in person. Count Orsini-Rosenberg also has to stay in bed. It has befallen all of us. On the right hand side over there, the most beautiful arrangement, the one with Chrysanthemums lying on the coffin of Her blessed Highness the Duchess, was sent by His Highness.(A tall gentleman, dressed and behaving as if in deepest mourning, approaches Nepalleck and warmly takes his hand.) Angelo Eisner of Eisenhof: He was my friend. I was very close to him. For example during the opening ceremony of the Adriatic Sea Exhibition. But how insignificant 13 is my grief compared to yours! The last couple of days must have been hard for a man in your position! Nepalleck: God, it looks like I have to go through everything [1].(Meanwhile, a gate on the opposite side of the main hall has been opened and one can see the hall fill with members of the court society, the clergy and high ranking state and court officials. A steward regulates the access, leading guests to allocated seats. More and more visitors try to get in, show invitations, some are refused and others admitted. A group of high ranking noble ladies are being accompanied back out of the hall. Ten gentlemen dressed in frock coats enter and are being led up to the entrance hall with special courtesy and priority. There, they line up and are now in the position to follow the ceremony closely without being visible for the rest of the congregation. They also now hide the view onto the coffins. While each of them pulls out a sheet of paper, two civil servants approach the group and introduce eachother as follows:) Zavadil: Spielvogel. Spielvogel: Zavadil. Both (simultaneously): A bleek morning. As early as six o'clock we were here to begin with the arrangements. Angelo E. (approaches and begins to talk to one of the ten who all have begun to take notes. He points at various of these shadow figures in turn, each of them then attempts to step out of the line. Each time he calms the person down by indicating with gestures that his presence had been recorded in the notes of the others. In the meantime, court counsellor Blackandyellow [2] and his spouse have managed to get close to the writing group and are tapping on the shoulder of one of them.) Court Counsellor Blackandyellow and Mrs Blackandyellow: We didn't let anyone stop us from appearing here in person. Angelo E. (after a derogatory glance at them turns towards his neighbour, Dobner von Dobenau): And these want to attend a sacred ceremony! Probably for the first time ever! I am embarrassed by this in the presence of my friend Lobkowitz who is just looking over (he greets and waves a few times). Ah, he sees me but he does not recognize. Dobner von Dobenau (with fixed expression and slowly): As a sewer I should be entitled to go in and be seated with the highest. Count Lippay: Since I had succeeded as an artist in painting the pope, I enjoyed as his chamberlain on numerous occasions the opportunity to inform His Holiness of the unshakeable piety that could be observed in his eternalized counterfeit, and his Holiness approvingly took notice of this fact. Angelo E. : Oh Lipschitz, what are you doing here? Our fathers in Pilsen would not 14 have dreamt of - Count Lippay: None of that, Baron, none of that. Tempi passati. As you know, nemo propheta in sua patria, and all roads lead to Rome. But haven't you seen my sons, Counts Franz and Erwein? Dobner v. D.: As a sewer I would be entitled - Coffiehouse owner Riedl: During the Adriatic Sea Exhibition I came into contact with His Imperial Highness, as a patriot and simple business man I especially served him his coffie, we aren't all that touchy. Therefore and on behalf of his generous efforts to expand our fleet I, as chairman, am always an approving patron to continue intrepidly in the chosen direction. Dr. Charas: The rescue society is present here today under my leadership but has not yet found any opportunity to repeatedly intervene. Head of the security office, court counsellor Stukart: My presence explains itself. Regardless of my social prestige, my attention was drawn to this case by its criminalistic aspect. I am totally impartial on this occasion because nobody can accuse me of being involved for publicity reasons. This would have been impossible if it had happened in Vienna. I don't deny that before the assassination, the honorable colleague in Sarajevo may have followed a strategy similar to ours – a strategy that proved useful on many occasions and consists of either not knowing anything about the preparations for a crime or letting them unfold until the moment has come for a successful discovery. But the honorable colleague in Sarajevo has unfortunately missed his criminalistic goal – presuming that he was aiming for it. How differently would I have proceeded once the deed was done – I would personally have taken on this case, my office would have feverishly investigated, I would have kept the reigns in my hands until the murderer would have confessed after having collapsed under the weight of the evidence. The honorable colleague in Sarajevo failed to achieve this because he arrested the murderer on the spot. This fatal mistake can only be explained by ineptitude, or maybe an overeager murderer who did not oppose his arrestation, or maybe the police forces were, in this particular case, totally hampered by some unfortunate coincidence. But because the murderer's victim is not responsible for this catastrophic outcome, one will understand that my presence here, albeit among others, must be noticed. Head of the section Wilhelm Exner: I am here to represent technological interests. Governor Sieghart from the Agricultural Credit Institute: Today I am governor. I certainly expect that the powers of state will continually progress on the tracks adapted to my view on the world, and therefore I can defend my position. Landsberger, President of the Anglobank: People say that I am a bank magnate. All the same I do not consider it below my dignity to look for a modest but proud position behind the coffin of an influential man, even if his ideals are different. 15 Herzberg-Fränkel: My name is Herzberg-Fränkel. I know that in life he did not feel much for the likes of me. But death brings reconciliation. The liberal municipal counsellors Stein and Hein: I don't know what I am doing here, but now that I am here, here I am. Two consuls (simultaneously): Stiassny. Although we have no connection worth mentioning with the deceased, we did regardlessly hurry over to fulfill our duty. Three imperial counsellors (lined up): We appear here as a delegation because we think that, while waiting for better days, we owe it to the Manes not to give up the conviction that he wanted to do good but was not well informed. Sukfüll: Sent out by the assembly and appointed to express the department's feelings of grief we are facing an uncertain future and cannot even establish whether the latest events must be considered stimulating or hindering for tourism. However it may be, I herewith offer my last regards. Birinski and Glücksmann: We are representatives of art, and art has sent us here to renew, by the side of his great man 's bier, the pledge for the ideal pursuit. Librarian Hugo Heller: My far reaching cultural connections would have made it easy for me to tie this illustrious dead person to me, had not the aforementioned death stepped between us. (During these words a lady in deepest mourning has entered. (All back off.) Mrs Blackandyellow ( as if struck by lightning; gives her husband a dig and says): Didn't I tell you! You always find her where she shouldn't be. One can never remain undisturbed. Flora Dub: How motionlessly they are lying there! If she was alive she would remember me for once throwing me flowers at her. He himself wasn't much likin' the flower parade. But I came for them to see I don't mind at all. The moaner (in the foreground): You are the great God of the great and of the small, You try the great ones 'cause the small ones do exist. One time, you tried the small ones through a great And when he failed, examinor and candidate in one, You called him off the field. Was this The plan when you invented life and death To make a sacred difference? Is that the loophole of infinity through which This mortal bunch of madmen enters? And wasn't sorrow in the hands of God, A burden to be given to the ones who killed someone? Does all the blood we spill turn into ruby gem Whereas the real tear becomes a glitt'ring piece of glass, A shiny jewellery around a traitor's neck? If that is true then time is over now And you shall try them, let them pay, Let these failures feel it everywhere that all is done. Take their own blood And grieve about them, crying God's own tears.(During these words, the ceremony has begun. One sees how the entire court society assembled in the hall kneels down for prayer, at the top the three sobbing children of the murdered couple. Every now and again, the priest's voice becomes audible. Then the organ begins to play. One of those ten, who in the meantime all have have joined the ceremony, turns to his neighbour and speaks in a loud voice:) The journalist: Where is Szomory? We need some atmosphere! (The organ falls silent. There is a moment of silent prayer, the only sound comes from the sobbing children.) The journalist (to his neighbour): Write down how they are praying! [1] '”It looks we have to go through everything.” Austrian-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef I is quoted with this remark when facing the outbreak of WW I to allege to his senility and purported innocence as to this war.' - a comment I found in online-dictionary LEO when looking for suggestions as to how to translate this very idiomatic German phrase. It is here put into Nepalleck's mouth for the second time (see Scene 3) [2] The official national flag of the Austrian Empire was black and yellow until 1869. With the expansion of the Empire to Austrian-Hungarian Empire, the flag became red and white with a green field bottom right representing Hungary. After 1869, the black and yellow flag was mainly and unofficially used by extreme Loyalists and pro-German-Austrian movements.